When we see the opportunity we grab it!! 

In Spring 2023, the Prince Edward Learning Centre (PELC) approached VTLA to collaborate for an expanded community food garden. Combining our and site planning and design skills with PELC’s expertise in essential skills programming, we discussed how social and ecological improvements to this historically underserved neighbourhood (more shade/more trees, accessibility for all ages, more beauty, more birds, seating, play.. ) could be realized through a broader, community-engaged park design process. The project evolved into the Macaulay Village Park Revitalization Plan with plans including a shade structure, accessible pathways, a border of shade trees, and a series of dense gardens of native trees and shrubs in the Miyawaki Method.  As part of the United Way Hastings Prince Edward Day of Caring, we brought contractors and landscape suppliers together with the local community to erect a new shade structure; the only covered, rain – protected seating in this four acre park. It’s amazing to see how one design activation changes the way a park is used. Since the installation we have witnessed people spending more time in the park, community housing meetings and special events happening in the shade structure, and local arts group The Department of Illumination hosting their Summer Kitchen + Guitar workshops in this space.